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In Memory

In memory of our friend and colleague Amy Branch

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Female fans normally know more facts about what’s going on than men do anyway. I’d say they’re a more intelligent fan on top of that. They normally know more about what we’ve done than we know about what we’ve done. --- Tony Stewart

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There are female fans who take apart engines and will take you apart if you have a problem with that; who are drawn to the danger and mystery of the sport; who watch races on TV to witness pure passion and unscripted emotion; who love the camaraderie of these family-friendly festivals; who feel the nervous anxiety of the lip-biting wives atop the pit boxes. --- Andrew Giangola “The Weekend Starts on Wednesday”

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines champion as
“one that is successful through praiseworthy ability and hard work.” Champion
is definitely the word that you would use preceding NASCAR Truck Series four-time
champion Ron Hornaday’s name any given day because he is a talented, smart and
fierce competitor.

It was bewildering to think that Hornaday had to
figure out for what race team he would be driving along with finding sponsorship for
the upcoming year due to Kevin Harvick, Incorporated’s decision to shut down
their Truck Series program last year. Understandably this was a respected
decision between both parties; however, it would ultimately lead to this veteran
driver being without a ride for the upcoming race season.

In November 2011, Joe Denette Motorsports announced that Hornaday signed a one-year deal with them to compete in the 2012
season. Outside of the love of racing
many wondered why the four-time champion driver would choose to partner with a
very young truck series team. In
response to the inquiry, Hornaday had this to say “Joe has a lot to offer, he
definitely enjoys racing –that is the biggest part. Anyone that puts the love
into it like he does, you know that program will be successful.” Additionally, hiring Jeff Hensley (crew chief
for the No. 9 Chevy) coupled with freedom to build his own trucks whereas
they had been built for him before meant a great deal to this veteran. Moreover, Hornaday was very adamant about the fact that he wanted to be driving a
Chevrolet – “There are only so many Chevrolets and I’m not going to another
manufacturer. I have been driving Chevrolets my whole career and I’m going to
stick with it.”

His current teammate is 18-year old rookie Max
Gresham and Hornaday commented about this young driver’s talent, politeness as well
as great family background. In regards to a question asked about him being an
advisor/mentor to the rookie, Hornaday
feels that he can’t give specific information (e.g. successful maneuvering around aparticular track) unless Gresham asks him directly. Although this
seasoned driver will not force advice upon the up-and-coming talent, he will be
available to provide some sound wisdom if needed.

At the time of this interview, the points standings
showed Hornaday sitting ninth, approximately 31 points behind leader Timothy
Peters. I asked him what he thought would be the best he could finish since this is the
first season with this race team, outside of capturing another championship, when
the checkered flag waves in Homestead on November 16. In true multiple-champion-like fashion, with a smile on his face, his reply was, "Minus one point outside of the
championship," basically letting me know that number five is in his eyes. Hornaday plans to battle hard to the end and does not intend to settle for anything less than the top spot.

As we all know, being involved in the racing industry
requires adapting to a very fast-paced lifestyle; therefore, drivers have to
find that perfect balance to keep them grounded. The balance in Hornaday’s life
comes in the form of his beautiful wife of over 30 years, Lindy
Hornaday, who has been featured in a Skirts & Scuffs WIN Series interview
conducted by columnist Lindi Bess earlier this year. His grandchildren are very
important to both he and his wife so they try to stay involved with as many
activities with them as possible.

The future holds no boundaries for the 53-year old athlete
who has no immediate retirement plans on the horizon. Yes, I asked Hornaday about retirement plans and he quickly established that it wasn't not an option now or anywhere in the near future. “Does
NASCAR have an age limit on racing?” was the rhetorical question thrown back in
my direction with that warm, relaxed smile on his face.

Of course not. I'm sure if NASCAR had such a restrictionthere would be many fans boycotting because this four-time
champion definitely has a lot more tire rubber to put down on the track.

(Note:
Fortunately, everyone that was involved in the multi-truck wreck caused by the
contact between Harraka and Hornaday were fine.)

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be
heading to Charlotte for the N.C. Education Lottery 200 on May 18. The race is
scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on SPEED.

I would like to thank four-time NCWTS champion Ron Hornaday and Jessica O’Brien
(JDM PR Rep) for allowing me, on
behalf of Skirts & Scuffs, to interview this phenomenal, history making athlete
who will continue to make strides throughout his career in the racing industry.

____________________Unique Hiram is an Associate Editor/Contributing Writer for Skirts and Scuffs. Additionally, she is also the author of "Fast Lane Poetry" which was published April 2011. Unique can be contacted via email or through Twitter.